as in skilled
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor
she is quite proficient at computer repair a proficient rendition of a difficult piano piece
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in adept
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
an urgent call by the state department for proficients in Arabic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proficient
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
In 2024, only 31% of U.S. fourth grade students were proficient or above in reading, according to the NAEP, while 40% were below basic.
—Harry Anthony Patrinos, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
Like Salt Typhoon, this group is highly proficient in cloud exploitation, using lateral movement techniques to transition from on-premises to cloud environments, maintain persistence and rapidly exfiltrate data.
—Chris McHenry, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia is paid $345,000 a year, presiding over schools where just 16% of students are proficient in reading.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficient
Adjective
The England Under-17 international is a proficient finisher and a traditional striker — a profile of player Villa’s recruitment team were looking to fill within his age group.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
In 2024, only 31% of U.S. fourth grade students were proficient or above in reading, according to the NAEP, while 40% were below basic.
—Harry Anthony Patrinos, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
Like Salt Typhoon, this group is highly proficient in cloud exploitation, using lateral movement techniques to transition from on-premises to cloud environments, maintain persistence and rapidly exfiltrate data.
—Chris McHenry, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia is paid $345,000 a year, presiding over schools where just 16% of students are proficient in reading.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficient
Adjective
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As usual, Ellie attempts to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but this doesn’t really work with Gail (who’s skilled at doing the same).—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
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However skilled labor shortages are a drawback for those setting up business.—
Paul Williams,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Slot shares this staple of Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou’s attacking principles, with Porro adept at tucking inside to disrupt the opposition shape.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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The result is that just these English words, representing just this original document, make for a new and somewhat undiscovered book, even to Marxist adepts.—
Benjamin Kunkel,
Harpers Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2025
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Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.—
Bing Yu Yap,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Even if a patient doesn’t have the budget to meet their aesthetic treatment goals, an expert can at least guide them to best at-home skincare and practices.—
Dahvi Shira,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Becker, the prosecutor, told the jury they are expected to hear testimony from an expert from the Taser and body-camera maker Axon Enterprise during the trial.—
Deena Zaru,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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An estimated 14% of those who took the highest dose experienced vomiting, while 16% and 26% had nausea and diarrhea, respectively.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
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Be open and willing to start conversations with more experienced employees.—
Julia Sullivan,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Serendipitously, that car was owned by Disney master animator Ward Kimball, whom Gurr had met via a car enthusiast society, the Horseless Carriage Club.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Select one platform and master it rather than spreading yourself too thin.—
Vicky Owens,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Møller had an initial career as a literary scholar, then spent many years as a politician, and is now back to writing.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
21 Apr. 2025
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Wine scholars among us will recognize this as a mix of red and white grapes, with white allowed only in very small amounts.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Also on the bill: R&B powerhouse Ledisi; actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr.; and guitar virtuoso Orianthi; as well as previously announced performer, composer and bandleader Jon Batiste.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
23 Apr. 2025
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He’s earned international esteem as a bandleader and collaborator with other singular artists like Afro-Swiss harmonica virtuoso Grégoire Maret, Japanese piano star Hiromi, and Cuban reed great Paquito D’Rivera.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficient. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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